Retaining cap

ABSTRACT

A cap for a disposable oil filter. The cap is comprised of a locking ridge that is molded into the inside circumference of said cap. When firmly pressed over the seamed perimeter rim on the face end of the disposable oil filter, a locking ridge securely engages into the seam line, formed by the manufactures seaming process, thus locking cap on oil filter and forming a liquid tight seal on each side of locking ridge.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The object of this invention is to provide an inexpensive and convenientdevice for sealing any residual oil that may be left in a useddisposable oil filter until it can be reclaimed or disposed of properly.

Furthermore the object of this invention is to provide a protective capfor a new disposable oil filter so that dust and debris does notcollect.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the modern internal combustion engines thatuse disposable oil filters, such as automobiles, motorcycles, lawnmowers, etc. These engines use an oil system to lubricate moving partsto reduce friction and ware. Most engines have a disposable oil filterfor filtering out dirt and debris from the oil thus extending oil andengine life. When the oil is changed usually a new disposable oil filteris installed. The problem is that the old filter contains residual oiland other toxic waste that take a long time to drain from filter. It isusually the responsibility of the individual performing the oil changeto prevent this toxic oil from being accidentally disbursed into theenvironment or any other unwanted place, without any convenient meansfor the average do-it-yourselfer. Because of time it takes for thisresidual oil to drain, many of these filters maybe discarded with toxicoil still in them, which could have been recycled or disposed ofproperly. Therefore it would be beneficial to have a simple way tocontain this residual oil remaining in the used oil filter until it canbe reclaimed or disposed of properly. This would also preserve resourcesand potentially protect the environment.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A disposable retaining cap for an oil filter that contains a lockingridge. The flexible cap covers the entire face of the oil filter and isfirmly snapped over the seamed perimeter rim with locking ridge engagedin the inherent seam line formed by the manufactures seaming process,which will form a liquid tight seal on each side of locking ridge andpreventing any residual oil in the used oil filter from escaping untilit can be reclaimed or disposed of properly. The cap would also act as aprotective cover during shipping and handing of a new filter. A slightlyoversized plug could be molded in for enhancing grip on large filters.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

What is shown in FIG. 1 is a partial cross sectional view of an oilfilter retaining cap firmly snapped on and in the sealed position overthe face of a disposable oil filter.

What is shown in FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the retaining capand perimeter rim

What is shown in FIG. 3 is a partial top view of retaining cap.

What is shown in FIG. 4 is a partial cross sectional view of theretaining cap with molded in plug inserted into threaded flow hole.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

What is shown in FIG. 1 is a partial cross sectional view of theretaining cap 10 in the sealed position over the face 12 of a spin onany type of disposable oil filter 14. The retaining cap 10 is made of aflexible shape retaining plastic with a locking ridge 16 molded into theinner circumference of retaining cap 10 with locking ridge 16 firmlysnapped over the perimeter rim 18 and the locking ridge 16 engaged inthe inherent seam line 20 formed by the manufactures seaming process ofa disposable oil filter 14. Sealed areas are located around perimeterrim 18 just above locking ridge 16, and below locking ridge 16 aroundthe outside circumference of the spin on any type disposable oil filter14

What is shown in FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the retaining cap10 with its molded in locking ridge 16 engaged into seam line 20 andsealing areas 22.

What is shown in FIG. 3 is a partial top view of the retaining cap 10and its one piece design, snapped over the perimeter rim 18 and coveringthe entire face 12 of a new spin on any type disposable oil filter 14forming a protective barrier

What is shown in FIG. 4 is a partial cross sectional view of theretaining cap 10 and its slightly oversized and flexible plug 26 withridges, inserted into the threaded flow hole 28 of a disposable oilfilter 14 with flexible plug 26 pressed into the threaded flow hole 28and grabbing the threads of the flow hole 28 thus facilitating lockingridge 16 and enhancing the grip and integrity of retaining cap 10.

While the instant invention has been shown and described in accordancewith preferred and practical embodiments thereof, it is recognized thatdepartures from the instant disclosures are contemplated with the spiritof the invention and, therefore, the scope of patent protection is notintended to be limited except as defined within the following claims asinterpreted under the doctrine of equivalents.

1. A disposable retaining cap for a disposable oil filter, said filterhaving a threaded flow hole and a spin on type design, an inlet/outletface end and a seamed perimeter rim with an inherent seam line, withsaid retaining cap comprising of a locking ridge and a flexible onepiece design. Said retaining cap covers entire said inlet/outlet faceend, said cap firmly snaps over said perimeter rim, said retaining caps'locking ridge engages into said inherent seam line, said retaining capseals on each side of said locking ridge.
 2. A disposable retaining capaccording to claim 1, molded of a flexible material, and oil resistantplastic.
 3. A disposable retaining cap according to claim 1 that coversthe entire inlet/outlet face end of a new disposable oil filter, thusforming a protective barrier.
 4. A disposable retaining cap according toclaim 1, with the addition of a slightly oversized plug with ridges thatis molded as one piece into the center of said retaining cap, saidoversized plug inserts into said threaded flow hole of said disposableoil filter, and grabbed the threads, of said threaded flow hole, thusfacilitating locking ridge and increasing the grip and integrity of saidretaining cap, for a large diameter said disposable oil filter.